'Now, The Fun Begins' – A 3rd Generation Business Owner Sold His Business Recently And Shared How Shocked He Was The Day After

Imagine running a business for most of your life, pouring in hard work, sweat and dedication and then, one day, it's no longer yours. That's exactly what happened to a 43-year-old former tire and auto repair shop owner who recently sold his third-generation family business and shared his story on the popular r/small business subreddit. After years of relentless effort, he finally stepped away and now, he's trying to figure out what comes next.

A Legacy Passed Down

The business had been a staple in the community since its founding by his grandfather. He had worked in the shop since he was 12 and officially took over 16 years ago. Eight years ago, he bought the business outright from his parents. It was his life, his identity and his passion.

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But the business world is ever-changing. He had built the shop into a powerhouse, focused on top-tier customer service and well-compensated employees. Yet, the challenges of the auto repair industry weighed heavily on him. "Technicians are nearly impossible to find and that is only going to get worse," he shared. "Kids don’t want to be mechanics or if they think they do, after a short while they change their mind."

An Industry in Flux

The auto repair industry isn't what it used to be. The landscape has shifted dramatically with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). "I'm in California, so EVs are an issue. There is nothing to fix on them, just tires. They go through tires very quickly, but I couldn’t make it on just tires – too competitive and insufficient profit. I need brake jobs, water pumps, ball joints, struts, etc. That's where the money is at."

Meanwhile, large investment firms have steadily bought well-established shops, consolidating the market. "There's been a few very large investment companies buying up shops for several years. I’ve watched many of my friends get bought out. It was my turn, finally."

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Day One: A New Reality

The day after selling his business, the reality hit him hard. For decades, he'd been up at the crack of dawn, running the shop and managing employees. But on his first day of freedom, he was … lost.

"When I woke up at 7 a.m., I was shocked. Normally, I would have already been at the shop for an hour at that time," he said. Instead, he spent the day making breakfast for his family, cleaning the garage, hitting the gym and even getting a massage. A far cry from the grueling schedule he'd been used to.

Even so, he couldn't quite let go. "I only checked the cameras 11 times today to see how my guys were doing."

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What's Next?

Selling the business has given him something he's never had before: time. Time to spend with his family, explore hobbies and think about what's next. He plans to take at least a year off but keeps his eyes open for opportunities.

The sale was a mix of relief and nostalgia. "It's worth it. Push hard, then get out when the time is right. I think I timed it perfectly. Now, the fun begins."

Reactions

This story evoked many reactions. One person said they sold their business too, stressing the importance of selling at the right time. Another talked about how hard it is to find good mechanics these days, saying it's a problem everyone in the industry faces. 

A few people were worried that big companies buying family-owned businesses could hurt workers and customers. On the funny side, one commenter joked, "So you were … tired?" showing that even serious topics can bring out humor. These comments show how many people relate to the ups and downs of owning a business.

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